A neglected posterior fracture dislocation of the shoulder with ipsilateral distal humeral shaft fracture.
BACKGROUND
Cases of posterior dislocation or fracture-dislocation of the shoulder are rare. A combination of posterior dislocation and ipsilateral humeral shaft fracture, especially a distal third one, is even rarer. In such injuries, the diagnosis of shoulder dislocation may be missed because great attention is usually given to the fractured humerus.


OBJECTIVE
We present this case report to raise awareness among emergency physicians of this manner of injury.


METHODS
We present a case report of a 30-year-old woman who had posterior fracture dislocation of the right shoulder with ipsilateral distal humeral shaft fracture. The shaft fracture was initially evaluated, internally reduced, and fixed, whereas the posterior fracture-dislocation of the shoulder was not recognized. A belated diagnosis was established 1 month after the operation, when a computed tomography scan was performed because the patient reported continuous pain and limited range of motion of the shoulder. A second reduction was performed to reduce the dislocation. The patient had partial functional recovery 1 year later.


CONCLUSIONS
Consideration of this condition, coupled with thorough and appropriate physical and radiological examinations, could lead to improved recognition of such cases.
Li
Hao-Huan
HH
Department of Orthopedics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
Liu
Shi-Qing
SQ
Peng
Hao
H
D000328:Adult; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D012783:Shoulder Dislocation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome